I remember seeing a Monty Python episode that was a spoof on hunting. A reporter followed a brave hunter into the wild, searching for the elusive mosquito.

The camera would focus on a spot the hunter pointed to as he discovered a perched mosquito, but of course we could only see a bush and a lot of leaves. Suddenly, the air erupted with a deafening explosion as the hunter used an elephant gun to shoot the doomed mosquito. It was a funny skit because it was so outlandish.

I’m thinking now that maybe we do need heavy artillery in the war against the blood-thirsty horde of swarming insects that show no mercy as they attack the skin of humans and animals alike.

What can we do? Well, I did some research, and there is no end to suggestions and home remedies on how to ward off the pesky bugs. It would be interesting to hear of any battles you may have fought yourself and come out successful. Let us know what works for you.

In the meantime, I will share what I’ve discovered, because using an elephant gun is not the best choice, and I would hope that no one in this area even has an elephant gun. However, the chemical most popular in this war is probably just as dangerous ... it is the chemical known as Deet, or Diethyl-meta-toluamide.

According to a Duke University study, with prolonged use, this chemical can cause behavioral changes, damage brain cells and could have harmful interactions with some medications. It may also cause reproductive disturbances, genetic material mutations and central nervous system disorders. Yikes!

Products applied to the skin will be absorbed into the skin and eventually into the blood stream. The percentage of how much is actually absorbed seems to have a wide margin, depending on who you talk to. The claims are anywhere from 15 to 56 percent.

I did find a guide as to the do’s and don’ts of Deet, which I will print at the end of this article. I found a list of harmless plants that mosquitoes hate and have been proven to keep them at bay. Guess what plant is at the top of this list? That’s right, the common catnip plant, which rates even higher in repelling mosquitoes than the citronella plant. Who knew?

I will be giving the catnip a try, and then I will let you know what happened, as I intend to don the “catnip tunic” and mow my lawn. Whatever choice you make in the war against mosquitoes, remember to be balanced and use good judgment.

One thing to remember is there are other insects that feast on the mosquito, as do many bats, so keep this in mind when spraying around your home; you may be killing some valuable allies. If you come to visit me, you will smell the fresh scent of mint as catnip will be my main focus in this ongoing summer battle.

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Rules for Deet

* Do not allow young children to apply this product.

* Do not apply near children’s hands or face.

* Apply only enough to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.

* Do not apply over cuts, wounds and irritated skin.

* Thoroughly wash all treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors.

* Wash treated clothes before wearing again.

* Do not spray aerosol forms inside.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Yvonne Myers works at the Journal-Standard and hopes the decrease in mosquitoes doesn’t bring an increase in stray cats.